The Chinese Frontier of Newar Buddhism: Art and Ritual

This paper describes the farthest premodern extension of Newar Buddhist traditions into China. First are influences brought by master Arniko (1245-1306) who came to China with a team of artisans in the Yuan dynasty. This gifted versatile artist became so renowned for his work in central Tibet that the Mongol rulers of China brought him to their new city, Beijing. Arniko built the "White Pagoda," a chorten at the center of the walled city. This paper will describe the evidence of Arniko’s 20-year presence in China and point to possible influences on Chinese Buddhist traditions, including other temples in Beijing, Great Wall gateways, and at the spiritual/pilgrimage center Wutai Shan. Part II will connect several of these sites to the records associated with two later Newar visitors, the monks Sahaja Śri (at Wutai Shan 1369-1374) and Śri Śariputra (1335-1426), who appear in the Chinese annals.